Ocean Fest is returning to Surf City this weekend, bringing a host of exciting events for both locals and visitors. The festival, which celebrates the vibrant culture of the coastal community, will feature a range of activities, from live music to beach cleanups and vintage surf experiences.
The festivities begin on Thursday, May 1, with the Ocean Fest Lager Release at Salty Turtle Brewing Company, scheduled from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This event will mark the debut of a special Ocean Fest Lager, with guests invited to enjoy the new brew.
On Saturday, May 3, the celebration continues with the Vintage Surf Experience, taking place from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Beach Access 19. Participants will have the unique opportunity to ride vintage surfboards from the Ocean Fest’s curated collection, a nod to the history and tradition of surfing in the area.
Also on Saturday morning, the community is invited to join in on Beach Yoga at Beach Access 19 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The class, free of charge and open to all skill levels, will be led by several local yoga instructors. No registration is required, making it a perfect way to start the day with relaxation by the ocean.
For those interested in local art and crafts, the Vendor Market at Soundside Park will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This free event will feature booths from local creators, live music, and food trucks offering delicious fare, along with wine and beer to enjoy throughout the day.
A key event in the festival’s lineup is the Ocean Fest Beach Cleanup, which will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Beach Access 19. In partnership with Surfrider, Ocean Fest encourages the community to come together and help clean up the beaches. Participants will be provided with buckets and bags, and there will be an opportunity to win prizes from The Earthling Co. for those who lend a hand.
The grand finale of the weekend is the Ocean Fest Music Festival, which will be held at Southside Park from 3:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. The music lineup includes performances by Artikal Sound System, Signal Fire, Winyah, Cooper Greer, and FUDGE. Local food trucks will be on hand, serving up great bites, with wine and beer available for purchase.
Ocean Fest is set to offer something for everyone this weekend, from those seeking relaxation to those ready to celebrate Surf City’s vibrant culture through music, art, and environmental stewardship.